Dealer Installed A/C - Installation Concerns

85ford25

Article No. 85-25-5

AIR CONDITIONING - DEALER INSTALLED - INSTALLATION CONCERNS

FORD 1985 TEMPO

LINCOLN-MERCURY 1985 TOPAZ

Vehicle owner surveys have disclosed instances of owner dissatisfaction with dealer installed air conditioning on 1985 Tempo/Topaz vehicles. Specifically, the complaints are the result of incorrect dealer installation procedures. To ensure owner satisfaction and provide high quality installations, it is essential that the instructions, detailed in the Evaporator and Condenser Installation Instructions Manual supplied with each dealer A/C system, be followed and all kit components be properly installed. Technicians making installations should be concerned with the following three areas:

^ Inadequate engine idle due to improper connection or no connection to the EEC IV module for fast idle control with A/C on. Instructions for proper wiring connections are found on pages 10 and 11 (for 1985) and on pages 16 and 17 (for 1986) of the installation manual.

^ Uneven air distribution, i.e., high output at right register with little or no airflow at left register. Poor air distribution is the result of not installing register caps (items 52 and 53) in the passenger right and passenger left register assembly or improper installation of such register caps. For 1985, the instructions are found on page 4, Steps 9 through 11 under Part Modifications heading. For 1986, no modifications to the OE ducting is required, ^ Water leaks in the passenger compartment from drain hoses and condensation from system hoses. It is essential that drain holes be properly located and drilled, and hose routing completed as illustrated in the installation manual. Exposed suction hose in the passenger compartment must be wrapped with the insulation tubing provided in kits. Also, all exposed metal parts on refrigeration hoses and expansion valves must be wrapped with insulation tape provided and all holes in the dash properly plugged in accordance with the instruction sheets.

It is very important that all installers of Ford "dealer installed" A/C systems employ the correct installation procedures so the system will operate as designed and so the customer will be satisfied with your work and our products.

Service Managers who feel a training/re-training session would be of benefit to installers are encouraged to contact their District Office to arrange for a visitation of a "hands-on" trainer.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: "INFORMATION ONLY"